Search

Nowadays, the media has the power to encourage active and healthy lifestyles; however, it can have a negative impact on body image and psychological wellbeing. The present research aims to analyze Mediterranean diet adherence, media pressure, slim and athletic build ideals and psychological wellbeing as a function of weekly physical activity engagement. A further aim is to examine the effect of Mediterranean diet adherence, media pressure and psychological wellbeing on the perceived pressure to have an athletic and slim build. The present non-experimental study included a sample of 634 university students. Validated instruments adapted by the scientific community were used for data collection. Gathered data reveal that young people who engage in more than 300 min of physical activity per week are more likely to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, have better psychological wellbeing and feel more pressure to obtain an athletic build. In conclusion, weekly physical activity engagement impacts the variables under study.

Abstract: This study aims to determine the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its food groups with depressive symptoms in Chilean university students. The study design was cross-sectional. A total of 934 first-year students at a Chilean public university completed a self-report questionnaire. To assess adherence to Mediterranean diet, an index validated in Chile (Chilean-MDI) was used, and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were assessed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of adherence to Mediterranean diet and its food groups with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms adjusted for the main confounders. Students with moderate and high adherence to Mediterranean diet showed lower odds of depression [DASS-21 > 5, odds ratio (OR) = 0.64; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.47-0.88] than those with low adherence to Mediterranean diet. The consumption of 1-2 servings/day of vegetables (OR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.43-0.92), > 2 servings/week of nuts (OR = 0.41; 95%CI: 0.21-0.80), 1-2 servings/day of fruits (OR = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.42-0.85), 1-2 servings/week of fish and seafood (OR = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.48-0.94), and 1/2-3 units/week of avocado (OR = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.48-0.93) showed low odds of depressive symptoms. The consumption of whole grains and cereals (> 2 servings/day) (OR = 1.63; 95%CI: 1.02-2.61) showed the opposite association. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, avocado, fish, and seafood are associated with a lower likelihood of depression in Chilean university students. New policies and educational strategies are recommended to improve diet quality and the mental health of the entire university community.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) on eating attitudes and emotional appetite in young females aged 18-24. Methodology: A cross-sectional study (n=306) was conducted on young females. A questionnaire including demographic characteristics, Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EMAQ), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was applied. Daily food consumption was obtained from the 24-hour- food records and used to calculate the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (MAI). The researchers measured the body weight (kg) and height (cm). Results: Half of the participants (50.7%) have low adherence to the MD, moderate in 25.2%, and high in 24.2%. There is no statistical difference in MAI scores between EAT-26 groups (p>0.05). The dieting status was higher (28.2%) in the disordered eating tendencies group compared to the group without disordered eating tendencies (11.1%) (χ2 =12.490, p

Resumen: Introducción: El paciente con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (ERCA) presenta una elevada prevalencia de malnutrición. Las restricciones dietéticas que aplicamos habitualmente en cuanto a macro y micronutrientes obligan a nuestros pacientes a seguir pautas dietéticas alejadas de los patrones saludables. Objetivo: Determinar si un programa de intervención nutricional personalizado, minimizando las restricciones habituales estaría justificado si mejorase la evolución de la enfermedad renal comparado con el tratamiento estándar. Objetivos secundarios: Determinar los cambios en las ingestas de nutrientes y en los parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos, así como los episodios de hiperpotasemia. Material y métodos: Se realizó un ensayo clínico de intervención educativa, unicéntrico, randomizado y controlado en los pacientes de la consulta ERCA del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete. Se incluyeron 75 pacientes, asignando 35 en un grupo control y 40 en el grupo de intervención con seguimiento a un año. La situación nutricional se determinó mediante datos antropométricos, composición corporal por bioimpedancia, parámetros bioquímicos en sangre y orina y cuestionario de recuerdo de 24 h. La intervención nutricional se realizó de tres formas: individual, colectiva y recuerdo telefónico. Resultados: Al inicio del estudio, el IMC mostró una situación de exceso de peso con una media en hombres de 28,83 kg/m2 (5,4) y de 26,96 kg/m2 (4,09) en mujeres. El 70% de nuestros pacientes mostraron exceso de peso. La circunferencia abdominal fue de 105,3 cm (10,2) y 92,3 cm (13,7) para hombres y mujeres, respectivamente, sin cambios significativos a lo largo del estudio. El porcentaje de masa grasa (MG) fue elevado tanto hombres como en mujeres durante todo el estudio. Los parámetros bioquímicos no mostraron una situación de malnutrición y solo se observaron diferencias significativas en el filtrado glomerular (FG), que aumentó en el grupo intervención. Ningún paciente presentó episodios de hiperpotasemia durante el estudio. La ingesta energética mostró una inadecuada distribución de macronutrientes en ambos grupos con una pobre ingesta de hidratos de carbono (HC), que se suple con un exceso de grasa. Para los micronutrientes sí observamos en el grupo intervención un aumento en las ingestas de potasio y fibra con una disminución de las de sodio y fósforo. Conclusiones: Malnutrición no es sinónimo exclusivamente de desnutrición y engloba tanto los problemas derivados del déficit como del exceso de ingesta de nutrientes. El 70% de nuestros pacientes mostraron exceso de peso y un porcentaje de masa grasa mayor del deseable. La aplicación de un programa de educación nutricional individualizado realizando una dieta rica en vegetales y fibra, menos aterogénica, no provocó alteraciones electrolíticas y supuso un enlentecimiento en la progresión de la enfermedad renal. Abstract: Introduction: Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) have a high prevalence of malnutrition. The dietary restrictions that we usually apply in terms of macro and micronutrients force our patients to follow dietary guidelines that deviate from healthy patterns. Objectives: To determine if a personalized nutritional intervention program, minimizing the usual restrictions would be justified in case it improved the evolution of kidney disease compared to standard treatment. Secondary objectives: To determine changes in nutrient intakes and in anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as quantify episodes of hyperkalemia. Material and methods: A single-center, randomized and controlled educational intervention clinical trial was conduct in patients from the ERCA outpatients clinic at the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete. 75 patients were included, assigning 35 to a Control group and 40 to the Intervention group with 1-year follow-up. The nutritional status was determined using anthropometric data, body composition by Bioimpedance, blood and urine biochemical parameters and a 24-h recall questionnaire. The nutritional intervention was carried out in three different ways: individual, collective and telephone recall. Results: At the beginning of the study, the BMI showed a situation of weight excess with a mean of 28.83 kg/m2 (5.4) in men and 26.96 kg/m2 (4.09) in women. 70% of our patients had overweight. The abdominal circumference was 105.3 cm (10.2) and 92.3 cm (13.7) for men and women respectively without significant changes throughout the study. The percentage of fat mass (FM) was high in both groups for men and women throughout the study. We did not find biochemical parameters of malnutrition and only significant differences were observed in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which increased in the intervention group. No patient presented any episodes of hyperkalemia during the study. The energy intake in both groups showed an inadequate distribution of macronutrients with a poor intake of carbohydrates (CH) that was supplemented with an excess of fat. In the case of micronutrients, we did observe an increase in potassium and fiber intakes with a decrease in sodium and phosphorus in the intervention group. Conclusions: Malnutrition is not exclusively an intake deficit and encompasses both the problems derived from a deficit and an excess of nutrients intake. Un to 70% of our patients showed weight excess and a fat mass higher than desirable. The implementation of an individualized nutritional education program, including a vegetables and fiber rich diet, less atherogenic, not only did not cause electrolyte alterations but also slowed the progression of kidney disease.

Introduction and purpose of the work: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition in the general population. In its course, excessive fatty acids are deposited in liver cells. The best way to prevent it is to reduce weight by being physically active and eating a proper low-calorie diet. The purpose of this study is to describe the potential health benefits of the mediterranean diet in people with NAFLD. For this purpose, the literature available in the PubMed database was reviewed using the following keywords: mediterranean diet; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (MASH). State of the knowledge: The mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil and whole-grain products. It has the effect of decreasing insulin resistance, which is a major cause of NAFLD. In addition, it exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In recent years, numerous clinical studies have been conducted analyzing the effects of this diet on laboratory results, liver steatosis and progression to steatohepatitis (MASH) in patients with NAFLD. Conclusions: The results of the studies show that following a mediterranean diet can prevent as well as alleviate the course of this disease. However, there is a need for more clinical studies, on larger groups of people to recognize the mediterranean diet as an effective form of NAFLD therapy.

Insulin resistance is a pathological entity that can lead to alterations in lipid metabolism and can increase cardiovascular risk. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different sociodemographic variables such as age, sex and social class and healthy habits such as smoking, physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet on the cardiometabolic profile of Spanish workers. Material and methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in 1457 Spanish workers in an attempt to evaluate the effect of healthy habits (physical exercise determined with the IPAQ questionnaire, Mediterranean diet and tobacco consumption) and sociodemographic variables (age, sex and social class) on the values of different insulin resistance scales. Results. The progressive increase in the level of physical activity and high adherence to the Mediterranean diet achieved an improvement in the mean values and in the prevalence of elevated values in all the insulin resistance scales analyzed in this study. Age over 50 years and belonging to the least favored social classes (social classes II-III) were the variables that increased the risk of presenting insulin resistance. Male sex also increased the risk of presenting insulin resistance. Conclusions. The different healthy habits such as vigorous physical exercise and high adherence to the Mediterranean diet improve the values of the different scales that assess insulin resistance.

A growing body of research on nutrition omics has led to recent advances in cardiovascular disease epidemiology and prevention. Within the PREDIMED trial, significant associations between diet-related metabolites and cardiovascular disease were identified, which were subsequently replicated in independent cohorts. Some notable metabolites identified include plasma levels of ceramides, acyl-carnitines, branched-chain amino acids, tryptophan, urea cycle pathways, and the lipidome. These metabolites and their related pathways have been associated with incidence of both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Future directions in precision nutrition research include: a) developing more robust multimetabolomic scores to predict long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality; b) incorporating more diverse populations and a broader range of dietary patterns; and c) conducting more translational research to bridge the gap between precision nutrition studies and clinical applications., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Resumen: Introducción: La dieta y la actividad física son 2 conductas que juegan un papel clave en la aparición de sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil. Es una tarea esencial en salud pública el análisis de su prevalencia en diferentes contextos. Objetivo: Describir la composición corporal, el nivel de actividad física y la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de jugadores de fútbol de 13 a 16 años de Asturias. Secundariamente, determinar la relación entre dieta, actividad física, composición corporal y variables personales. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Participaron 303 niños, con una edad media de 14,15 años (DE = 1,06). Se analizaron la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y el nivel de actividad física con los cuestionarios KIDMED y PAQ-A, respectivamente, y se estableció su composición corporal de acuerdo con su índice de masa corporal. Resultados: Un 23,1% de los participantes presentó exceso de peso. El 54,8% y el 8,9% tenían una adherencia media o baja, respectivamente, a la dieta mediterránea. La puntuación media del PAQ-A fue de 2,69 (DE = 0,47). El exceso de peso se asoció con jugar de portero (p = 0,001), mayor puntuación de PAQ-A (p = 0,011) y menor de KIDMED (p = 0,032). El análisis de correlación presentó una asociación inversa entre edad y puntuación de PAQ-A (r = −0,122) y directa entre las puntuaciones de KIDMED e PAQ-A (r = 0,152). Conclusiones: Los participantes en el estudio mostraron un adecuado nivel de actividad física. Sin embargo, presentaron un perfil obesogénico similar al de la población de su edad y una potencial necesidad de mejora sobre la adherencia a las recomendaciones de la dieta saludable. Abstract: Introduction: Diet and physical activity are factors that have key roles in childhood overweight and obesity prevention. Appropriate assessment of these factors is an essential task in public health. Objective: The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity, and adherence to Mediterranean diet of soccer players, aged 13 to 16 years old in Asturias, Spain. It also aims to evaluate the relationships between diet, physical activity, body composition, and personal characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey approach was used involving children (n = 303) with a mean age of 14.15 years (SD = 1.06), and using the KIDMED and PAQ-A questionnaires to assess adherence to Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity, respectively. Body composition was represented using the participants’ body mass index. Results: Approximately 23.1% of the participants were overweight or obese. With regards to adherence to Mediterranean diet, 54.8% of the participants had medium adherence, while 8.9% had low adherence. PAQ-A mean score was 2.69 (SD = 0.47). Excess weight was associated with being a goalkeeper (P = .001), higher PAQ-A (P = .011), and lower KIDMED scores (P = .032). Correlation analysis showed an inverse association between age and PAQ-A score (r = −0.122), and a direct association between KIDMED and PAQ-A scores (r = 0.152). Conclusion: Participants had an adequate level of physical activity. However, they had an obesogenic profile similar to that of their age population, who were not soccer players. Actions to improve adherence to healthy diet practices are highly recommended.

Introduction: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Dietmed) exerts protective effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) there are fewer studies that analyze these data., Objective: To determine adherence to Dietmed and dietary habits in patients with PAD, according to a history of CVD (coronary and/or cerebral ischaemic pathology) and according to the ankle-brachial index (ABI ≥ or <0,5)., Material and Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study carried out in a tertiary hospital. The sample was collected consecutively. Sociodemographic and clinical history, ankle-brachial index (ABI) and a 14-point Dietmed adherence dietary questionnaire were included. The analysis of categorical variables was carried out using the Pearson's Chi-Square test, the T-Student's statistic test for independent samples was used for parametric variables and the U. Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric variables., Results: Of the 97 patients, 87,6% had low adherence to Dietmed, with no differences according to the severity of PAD. However, when we analysed the data according to whether or not they had a history of CVD, we observed a high adherence to some items included in Dietmed, specifically, in the CVD group, the consumption of lean meat (95,5% vs 64%; P=.004). In addition, we observed a significant difference in the consumption in the group without a history of CVD (32% vs 9,1%; P=.033)., Conclusion: In our population, patients with PAD, regardless of the stage of the disease and whether they had associated coronary or cerebral ischaemic pathology, had low adherence to Dietmed. Therefore, it is important to implement nutritional education programmes in patients with PAD in all stages, as well as in those patients who have already suffered a vascular event, so that they maintain adherence to healthy dietary habits in the long term., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The Mediterranean diet is the best evidence-based model for cardiovascular prevention. In addition to 2 major randomized secondary prevention trials (Lyon Heart and CORDIOPREV) and 1 primary prevention trial (PREDIMED) that have demonstrated these benefits, there is an unprecedented body of high-quality prospective epidemiological evidence supporting these beneficial effects. The key elements of this traditional pattern are the abundant use of extra-virgin olive oil and high consumption of foods of natural plant-based origin (fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes) and fish, along with a reduction in processed meats, red meats, and ultraprocessed products. Moderate consumption of wine, preferably red wine, with meals is an essential element of this traditional pattern. Although removing wine consumption from the Mediterranean diet has been associated with a reduction in its preventive efficacy, doubts have recently arisen about the possible adverse effect of even low or moderate intake of any alcoholic beverages. A new large Spanish trial, UNATI, which will begin in June 2024, will randomize 10 000 drinkers aged 50 to 75 years to abstention or moderate consumption. UNATI aims to answer these doubts with the best possible evidence., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Insulin resistance is the first stage of diabetes development. It has been defined as a dysmetabolic state in which the biological response of target tissues (particularly liver, muscle and adipose tissue) to circulating insulin is impaired. This leads to hyperinsulinemia, which in turn leads to obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The basic ingredients of the Mediterranean diet, such as fruit, vegetables, fish rich in fat, extra virgin olive oil, tree nuts, red wine, have been defined in the functional food model by the natural content of nutraceuticals such as polyphenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols and unsaturated fatty acids. Purpose of the work : Demonstrate the beneficial effects of implementing the Mediterranean diet in patients with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. The appropriate samples were accessed using a search engine in the PubMed database. The reviews and meta-analyzes published over the last 10 years were used. Results: After changing the diet to a diet rich in these nutrients, a greater improvement in IR was shown in obese people compared to other diets. In addition, dietary polyphenols demonstrated clinically significant benefits in metabolic and microvascular functions leading to lowering of fasting cholesterol and glucose, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in high-risk and T2DM patients. Conclusions: Mediterranean diets with the addition of extra virgin olive oil or nuts reduced total body weight and improved glucose metabolism.

Introduction and Objectives: The prevalence of gestational diabetes is increasing, and the Mediterranean diet is highly recommended for health. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)., Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study the presence of GDM is the dependent variable, and socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics and adherence to the Mediterranean diet are the independent variables in this study, which was carried out in pregnant women who were 24-28 weeks pregnant and had Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, weight and height measurements of the pregnant women were made, and the diagnosis of GDM was made with OGTT., Results: Two hundred and seven pregnant women participated in the study and 85 of them (41.1%) were diagnosed as GDM. According to Logistic Regression models, age (OR: 1.088, 95% CI: 1.031-1.149) and infertility treatment (OR: 4.570, 95% CI: 1.443-14.474) significantly increased the occurrence of GDM, while adherence to the Mediterranean diet (OR: 0.683, 95% CI: 0.568-0.820) significantly reduced the risk., Conclusions: Nearly two-fifths of pregnant women were diagnosed with GDM while only one-fourth complied with a Mediterranean diet. The increase in the frequency of GDM should be carefully monitored. It may be useful to detect risky pregnant women at the time of the first diagnosis, to measure their glucose levels, and to give suggestions about the Mediterranean diet in the early period., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) in improving adherence to non-pharmacological secondary prevention in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)., Method: Retrospective study of patients with ACS referred to CRP in a tertiary hospital from 2018 to 2021. Pre-post differences in adherence to physical activity, Mediterranean diet, smoking, and motivation to change were analyzed. Age, sex, and baseline motivation were analyzed in predicting change in adherence., Results: 418 patients were included. At the end of the CRP, the adherence to the mediterranean diet increased (p < 0.05; d = 0.83), frequency of physical activity increased by 2.16 (p < 0.05), and motivation to change remained constant (p = 0.94). Both women and men improved their adherence to the mediterranean diet. Both sexes performed more physical activity at the end of the CRP (1.89 times more in men and 4 times more in women; p < 0.05). An association was found between initial motivation and greater changes in adherence to the mediterranean diet (p < 0.05). An inversely proportional difference was observed between age and adherence to the mediterranean diet (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The CRP, in our hospital environment, has an effect of improving adherence to the mediterranean diet and physical exercise in patients with ACS. The change in adherence to the diet increases as the motivation to change the baseline increases, and age is inversely related to the change in adherence.

Numerous diets for losing weight, building strength, and managing a range of cardiovascular, neurologic, and skin diseases have become popular in recent years. The ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting in particular have shown promising results in clinical and sports medicine. The Mediterranean diet, in turn, is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits. Also popular are the paleo diet and vegan and gluten-free diets. Positive effects on inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and acne, have been observed in patients who practice intermittent fasting or follow ketogenic or Mediterranean diets. This last choice may also protect against certain skin cancers. We review the role of several popular diets in the management of skin disorders., (Copyright © 2023 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Currently, esterility affects between 15% and 20% of couples of fertile age. Female reproductive success is mainly determined by age and ovarian reserve (OR). Recent studies highlight the influence of modifiable factors such as dietary habits and nutritional status on OR. In this regard, the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is postulated as a standard of healthy eating. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to analyze the influence of adherence to DM and nutritional status on the OR of infertile women., Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, lasting one year, between February 2022 and February 2023, in a sample of forty-five female patients who attended the Gynaecology-Esterility consultation at the Marina Salud Hospital in Denia (Spain) due to genital desire older than one year. An exploratory descriptive analysis based on univariate statistics was performed., Results: The mean age of the sample (n=45) was 31.84 (±3.99) years, with an average BMI of 26.27 (±6.08) kg/m2, with 44.4% (n=20) having excess body weight. The RO was measured based on AMH, with an average value of 2.32 (±1.59) ng/ml and RFA, with an average of 19.80 (±14.13) antral follicles. A statistically significant association was found between low adherence to DM and lower anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH; p=0.025) levels. In addition, an association was found between low consumption of vegetables (p=0.044), excessive consumption of red meat (p=0.027) and carbonated beverages (p=0.015) with insufficient AMH levels, indicative of low OR. Low fruit consumption was also found to be associated with low oestradiol levels (p=0.045). Statistically significant associations were also found reflecting the influence of nutritional status on OR., Conclusions: One of the main factors conditioning the success of ART (assisted reproductive technology) is the woman's OR. The most widely used parameter to assess OR is AMH. Lifestyle and diet are modifiable factors that can influence OR. High adherence to DM and consumption of vegetables is associated with higher levels of AMH; however, high intake of red meat and carbonated beverages is associated with lower levels. Nutritional status, adherence to DM and dietary habits influence the status of OR, so it would be advisable to promote programmes to improve the population's diet in order to improve reproductive health.

Background and Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic proinflammatory and prothrombotic condition that exacerbates insulin resistance, oxidative damage, and cardiovascular risk, being more prevalent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic multisystemic autoimmune disorder. This study aim was to determine the prevalence of MetS and associations with SLE clinical characteristics, cardiovascular risk and dietary pattern in a population of Spanish SLE patients., Design and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 293 patients was conducted (90.4% females; mean age 46.8 (12.94)). The diagnosis of MetS was established based on the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K) and SDI Damage Index were used to assess disease activity and disease-related damage, respectively. Med Diet adherence was assessed through a 14 items questionnaire on food consumption frequency and habits., Results: MetS was present in 15% SLE patients. Triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference were significantly increased (p<0.001) in the group of MetS patients. Patients with MetS showed significantly increased SDI damage index (1.70 (1.69) vs 0.88 (1.12), p<0.001) and complement C3 level (118.70 (32.67) vs 107.55 (26.82), p=0.011). No significant differences were observed according to Med Diet adherence level., Conclusion: We observed a lower prevalence of MetS in SLE than that reported in previous studies, which may be a result of the good level of adherence to the MedDiet in our study sample. Additionally, MetS was associated with higher SDI and complement C3 levels but no with medication use., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Inflammation is your body's response to injury and infection—it's how your immune system helps to protect you from harm. In contrast, chronic inflammation contributes to many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and kidney and liver disease. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department discusses inflammation and the dietary choices that may help to reduce chronic inflammation. Written by Daniela Rivero-Mendoza and Wendy Dahl. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs402

ABSTRACT Objective: To translate and culturally adapt the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in Children and Adolescent (KIDMED) for the Brazilian population. Methods: The processes of translation and cultural adaptation followed internationally standardized methodological norms. We used the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman dispersion analysis to assess the reproducibility and calculated the internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: A total of 102 children and adolescents participated in the cross-cultural adaptation, of whom 58 (56.9%) were females, with a mean age of 9.8±4.9 years. The mean overall scores of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the test and retest were similar (8.00 and 3.80 versus 8.01 and 3.84) for children and adolescents, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient for children and adolescents was 0.893 and 0.998, respectively. The internal consistency was 0.72. The Bland-Altman plot analysis showed good agreement between the final scores of the test and retest questionnaires, with no statistically significant difference. Conclusions: The KIDMED questionnaire was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapted, presenting high reproducibility. This questionnaire can, therefore, be included and used in Brazilian studies that aim at evaluating the adherence to the Mediterranean diet among children and adolescents.

"Mediterranean diet" is a concept that defines a certain range of nutritional behaviors that cannot be faithfully reproduced in current times. The prototype of this diet was created in Crete in the 1960s and spread mainly among poor populations of fishermen and shepherds, leading a lifestyle substantially differed from modern one. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by high consumption of vegetables and fruit, cereal products, legume seeds and olive oil, average consumption of fish, dairy products and alcohol, as well as small consumption of meat, sugar and confectionery products. The products recommended in it contain a number of pro-health properties, among others, thanks to the content of omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. Therefore, the Mediterranean diet allows to develop good eating habits for life and prevents many civilization diseases.

This article studies the importance of the Mediterranean diet in the menus of restaurants in the city of Barcelona. It is based on a review of previous studies about the great influence of the Mediterranean culture on daily aspects such as food. A qualitative study was conducted and a sample of experts—head chefs at restaurants in Barcelona—was selected. The results show that the Mediterranean diet is positioned in the minds of their customers; therefore, all the decisions related to the purchase of products and the planning of menus and dishes are made following the guidelines of the Mediterranean diet. This study is an important contribution to the research field of culture in consumption habits, because it confirms that the Mediterranean diet still is strongly preferred over new foods, dishes and foreign menus. The habits of consumers remain true to their culinary traditions.

In this edition of the clinical and epidemiological round, we analyze the results of the SPRINT study, which suggest a more intensive control of the blood pressure for prevention of cardiovascular events. In addition, we present the results of the REVERT study, that used a modified Valsalva maneuver to treat stable supraventricular tachycardia. Kane et al. explore the improvement of the quality of life in patents with their first psychotic episode after a multidisciplinary approach versus the usual community care. Finally, Toledo et al. analyze the incidence of breast cancer in the PREDIMED study after the patients have followed a Mediterranean diet.

Objective: To describe the association between consumption of different alcoholic beverages and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of the baseline data of the DiSA-UMH study, an ongoing cohort study with Spanish health science students (n = 1098) aged 17-35 years. Dietary information was collected by a validated 84-item food frequency questionnaire. Participants were grouped into non-drinkers, exclusive beer and/or wine drinkers and drinkers of all types of alcoholic beverages. Mediterranean diet adherence was determined by using a modification of the relative Mediterranean Diet Score (rMED; score range: 0-16) according to consumption of 8 dietary components. We performed multiple linear and multinomial regression analyses. Results: The mean alcohol consumption was 4.3 g/day (SD: 6.1). A total of 19.5%, 18.9% and 61.6% of the participants were non-drinkers, exclusive beer and/or wine drinkers and drinkers of all types of alcoholic beverages, respectively. Participants who consumed beer and/or wine exclusively had higher rMED scores than non-drinkers (β: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.25-1.27). Drinkers of all types of alcoholic beverages had similar rMED scores to non-drinkers. Non-drinkers consumed less fish and more meat, whereas drinkers of all types of alcoholic beverages consumed fewer fruits, vegetables and more meat than exclusive beer and/or wine drinkers. Conclusions: The overall alcohol consumption among the students in our study was low-to-moderate. Exclusive beer and/or wine drinkers differed regarding the Mediterranean diet pattern from non-drinkers and drinkers of all types of alcohol. These results show the need to properly adjust for diet in studies of the effects of alcohol consumption.

Following a healthful diet provides many benefits throughout the life cycle. Maintaining good eating habits as we age can be especially helpful to preserve cognitive health (the ability to remember, learn, and make decisions). This 3-page publication provides tips for healthful eating that may help to maximize brain health in older adults. Written by Pooja Tolani and Wendy J. Dahl and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs304

Although food is a form of material culture, most present-day texts, discourses, and practices seem to stress a supposed “naturalness” inherent to food systems. Such naturalness is generally conceived as both the praise of everything that opposes artificiality and a return to an original and idyllic past, namely a “tradition” crystallised in “authentic” recipes, “typical” restaurants, etc. Responding to the urgency of enhancing the academic debate on these issues, this paper analyses the relevant case of the “Mediterranean diet,” mainly by adopting a semiotic approach centred on the processes of globalisation and hybridisation that have affected food in the last decades, with important implications on the grammars, syntaxes, and pragmatics of systems that, instead, tend to be subjected to a process of “crystallisation” denying such dynamism.

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by high consumption of vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, olive oil (rich in monounsaturated fatty acids), fish (rich in Omega - 3 fatty acids) and moderate consumption of dry red wine. The positive impact of the diet on life expectancy and cardiovascular disease has been widely discussed, but further studies prove that it is also beneficial in supporting treatment of other civilization diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, infertility and neurodegenerative or autoimmune diseases. Although certain studies on the effects of the Mediterranean diet still require further action, they undoubtedly give hope that the proper nutrition can have a significant impact on the prevention and treatment of civilization diseases.

This review highlights the human studies that explore the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and olive oil, based on gene expression analysis. We summarized consistent human transcriptomic studies on cardiovascular risk, based on TMD and olive oil interventions, with real life doses and conditions. A literature review was carried out leading up to February 2016. The results show that the TMD, specially supplemented with virgin olive oil, produces beneficial changes in the transcriptomic response of relevant genes in cardiovascular risk such as CAT, GPX1 and SIRT2. p65 and MCP-1, IL1B, IL6, CXCL1, INF-γ, ARHGAP15 and IL7R, which are involved in inflammation; and ABCA1, SR-B1, PPARBP, PPARα, PPARγ, PPARδ, CD-36 and COX-1, which play an important role in cholesterol efflux. The available data illustrate a transcriptomic effect on atherosclerosis, inflammation and oxidative stress pathways as well as the mentioned genes.

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN Se ha planteado que factores ambientales y relacionados con el estilo de vida pueden contribuir a la severidad y progresión de la inflamación en la artritis reumatoide. Una intervención que genera un alto interés, debido a sus supuestas propiedades antiinflamatorias es la dieta mediterránea. MÉTODOS Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES Identificamos siete revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron cuatro estudios primarios, de los cuales sólo uno corresponde a un ensayo aleatorizado. Concluimos que la dieta mediterránea podría hacer poca o nula diferencia en el dolor articular o actividad de la enfermedad, y aumentar levemente el peso en pacientes con artritis reumatoide, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja. Por otra parte, no es posible establecer con claridad si la dieta mediterránea tiene algún efecto sobre la funcionalidad, rigidez matinal o calidad de vida, debido a que la certeza de la evidencia existente ha sido evaluada como muy baja.